John Brown University construction management students received first place in two of three categories at the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Region 5 annual competition, sponsored by TEXO. University teams were asked to develop a construction project proposal based on previously completed or on-going projects and make a formal presentation in Dallas to a panel of construction professionals who worked on those projects.
“This competition measures the adaptability of university students to the real world of construction management,” said team coach Mark Terrill, assistant professor of construction management. “We are proud of our students’ performance and thankful to the ASC and TEXO for the opportunity to compete.”
The projects this year were the construction of a $20 million LEED Gold certified energy-efficient school and a $17 million modification of a water treatment plant. On Feb. 13, teams of six students were provided drawings, specifications and subcontractor information to build their proposals at their home universities. Teams had to develop their costs, work schedules and plans to resolve potential quality or safety issues within 16 hours of receiving the information and then travel to Dallas the following day to make their presentations. Judges evaluated teams on the overall feasibility of their plans, safety proposals and the quality of their presentations.
The JBU construction management program had a team in both the commercial building and heavy civil divisions. Both teams placed first in their divisions and JBU student Ross Becker won Best Presenter of the Heavy Civil Division.
“Our success this year is a testament to the quality of our curriculum, projects and above all, our professors,” said Becker. “Taking first place in both of the categories we entered proves what we students already know, that the JBU construction management program is one of the best.”
Other participating universities included Texas A&M, Oklahoma State University, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Oklahoma University, Texas Tech University, Louisiana State University and the University of Texas at San Antonio.
JBU senior construction management students pose with their first place trophies at the ASC Region 5 regional competition in Dallas. (Pictured L to R: Daniel Coon, Ross Becker, Jeff Williams, Stephen LaGue, Heather Pielemeier, Bryan Bova, Derek Stout, Nathan Greathouse, David Carlson, Jonathan Jenkins, Matt Carnefix, and Cody Phillips.)